Each time an employee is chosen to be in our Spotlight, we provide a list of questions that they can answer. Here are Stephanie's answers:

1. What are you paid to do at NUIHC?

     I am the Project Director for the Soaring Over Meth and Suicide grant through the Indian Health Service.  I   also direct the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug prevention grant through Region VI Behavioral Health.

2. What made you come to work for NUIHC?

     I worked in Alaska for a year and a half as a Child Protective Services worker, and loved working with the Alaska natives and tribal organizations.  I wanted to continue to work with Native Americans, but in a more proactive way.  I love what we are doing!

3. What did you do before you came to NUIHC?

    I worked as a Child Protective Services agent for almost five years;  three in Nebraska and almost two in Alaska, and as an elementary education teacher for two years before that.

4. What would you say are your greatest strengths?

     I am persistent, and don't give up, even when things get difficult.  I believe that the best way to help people is to empower them to help themselves.  I am constantly generating new ideas, and networking with other programs, coalitions, and agencies to reach as many native youth and their families as possible through mutual collaboration.

5. Describe a "moment of excellence" you have had at NUIHC.

     We have had several moments of excellence.  Most recently would be our fireworks stand, the stand's original purpose was to raise funds for our community center activities and events, but it took on a life of its own.  There were more positive things that came out of our native youth volunteering their time at the tent than money could ever buy; Native unity, our youth learned how to run cash registers, do multiple transactions to include credit card transactions, inventory, marketing, and warehouse skills, not to mention just the experience of a group work toward a common goal.  That is a memory they will never forget.